Friday, 13 March 2015

Oh no VCDidn't!

What's happened?Dulwich Hamlet 1 - 2 VCD Athletic

Photo: Mike Urban

Last Saturday (7th March) Dulwich Hamlet welcomed newly-promoted VCD Athletic to Champion Hill for the very first time. The club marked International Women's Day (Sunday 8th) by giving free match tickets to women's football teams based in South London. Champion Hill is always full of female-only groups of friends but there was definitely an increased amount of women in the ground - something we hope to see more of regularly.On the pitch, Kevin James put DHFC ahead from close range just before the half-hour mark only for VCD's Karl Dent to rifle the away side level within a couple of minutes. To be fair, the goal was a beaut - a bouncing ball hit on the up that arced over Phil Wilson and into the opposite corner of the net.Fifteen minutes into the second half, Dent struck again with another well-taken (albeit almost completely unchallenged) strike from the edge of the box. Dulwich pressed for an equaliser for the remaining half hour but score we couldn't and VCD left with three vital points in their fight to escape the drop. Check out the match report on the DHFC website for more.Dulwich remain in third place, 3 points ahead of Hendon who have 3 games in hand.
We meet Football Beyond BordersStraight after the VCD game, we met the guys from Football Beyond Borders (FBB). We won't give too much away as you'll hear our chat with them in FTH 17 - out next Tuesday (17th). What we will say is that it was brilliant to meet a group of people who are so passionate about improving the lives of young people through participation in football. We're really excited to keep in touch with them and there's news of a FBB event taking place at Champion Hill in the 'Injury time' section below.

We meet football blogger Laura JonesThe same day, we met with Laura Jones. Laura's blog - Yes I Can Explain The Offside Rule - was nominated for Best Female Blog at The Football Blogging Awards in its first year of publication. She took up an invitation from the Dulwich Hamlet Supporters' Trust (DHST) and came down for her first ever Dulwich game. You'll hear from Laura in our next episode.

Dulwich play two friendliesWith no midweek league games for the rest of the season, the club took the opportunity to play two friendly games. Conference South high-fliers Whitehawk FC visited on Tuesday night and left with their wings clipped after a Michael Abnett WONDER GOAL and a Dean McDonald strike gave DHFC a deserved 2-1 victory. Non-league football media outlet Football Exclusives captured Abs' Archie Gemmill-esque run and finish - you can register on their website for free and witness the GREATEST GOAL OF ALL TIME.

The following evening, DHFC visited East Grinstead Town FC for their second friendly in 24 hours. The game included two missed open goals for Kevin James and a 30-yard screamer from Dean McDonald. Swings and roundabouts. The game finished 3-3 - check out the match report on the club website.

THE TANK signs from Bury Town

Image: Football Exclusives

On Monday, DHFC signed striker Joe Benjamin from league rivals Bury Town. The Tank, as he is affectionately known by...himself, made his debut in the Tuesday win over Whitehawk.We can confirm that he is absolutely massive. Bigger-than-Connor-French-massive. DHFC now have several striking options - here's hoping the goals will come. Watch Joe's interview with Football Exclusives here.

What's next?

Dulwich away to HornchurchTomorrow (Saturday 14th), Dulwich visit relegation-threatened Hornchurch. Gav's lads will be hoping for their first victory in five league games. DHFC grabbed 3 points with a 2-0 home win over the North London club earlier this season. The Tank could make his full debut - watch this (large) space.

FBBTV launch party

Join us on Saturday 21st March to celebrate the launch of FBB TV - Football Beyond Borders' new and exciting youth-led media channel. They will be screening the exclusive premiere of two short films that have been produced in conjunction with FBB's young participants and producers, featuring two of non-league football's finest clubs: Dulwich Hamlet FC and Clapton FC. The screenings will be followed by some fantastic live music & tunes from some very special guest DJs (TBC) so we can all have a dance and celebrate this exciting new project!

Those who attend the Dulwich home game against East Thurrock prior to the launch party receive free entry (and as a fair result are invited to make a donation) - make sure you keep your match ticket as proof of purchase! Those not attending the game, but wanting to party with FBB, can buy tickets here.